Following the team with a unique perspective on all things Phillies.Email me: PhilliesPhollowers@comcast.net – Peace, Love & Baseball – Jenn

Hamels Returns to Dominance on 80’s Retro Night

After a horrible start in New York where he gave up seven runs in 4.1 inning, Cole Hamels needed a bounce-back game. And there was no better time to bounce-back than in a throw-back, 1980’s retro night game.

Wearing the maroon pinstripe uniform from 1984, Hamels found his old-self against the Padres. Through eight innings, Hamels gave up only one run on three hits while striking out 10 batters. It was 120 degrees on the field at game time, but the Padres biggest issue was the heat on Hamels’ fastball, not the heat on the field.

Some of the 1980’s player intro’s also added to game intensity:

Chase Utley was hot on the scoreboard and hot at the plate with two hits tonight. Carlos Ruiz and John Mayberry Jr. added an RBI-double each which, along with one unearned run, was plenty for Hamels to work with.

To close the game, Ryan Madson came out in the 9th for his first save attempt since returning from the DL. He sent the Padres down in order to record the 3-1 victory. It was Madson’s 16th save and Hamels’ team-leading 12th win of the year.

Earlier today, the Phillies activated pitcher Brad Lidge from the DL; he is expected to be broken in slowly in non-crucial situations until he gets settled in after missing the entire first half. A roster move had to be made and that wound up being Danys Baez. If Baez is not picked up by another team, he will likely play for Triple-A.

Many fans celebrated the move, as Baez has been inconsistent and mostly ineffective both this year and last. His 6.25 ERA over 36 innings was not helping his case.

But while this was clearly the best business decision for the team, Baez was well-liked in the clubhouse and is an all-around nice guy. He is the only player I have never seen ignore a fan or refuse an autograph. Baez had a smile and for everyone, despite what must have been a really tough year for him. In that respect, it is a bit sad.

Charlie Manuel also had a difficult time with the decision as he has know Baez for a long time. He said in an interview on SportsNite that Baez came to his office a week ago to talk about his situation and Baez all but offered himself up. He told Charlie he would understand if he needed to make a move for the betterment of the ballclub. So while his pitching was not great, I am impressed with the way he has handled himself and wish him all the best.

1 Comment

Ahh…the 80’s were very good the Dodgers! Two World series in that decade but the last time the Dodgers won!
Is sad when you see a player start declining, especially if they are nice guys. Hopefully he will find his groove. Boy! has it been 5 years since he was a Dodger?! guess so.

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